[Ultra-structural study of the lateral portion of the auditory sensorial organ using a decalcification-free method].
OBJECTIVE
To explain the development of a new personal technique to study the spiral ligament and stria vascularis in Guinea pig cochleae by obtaining sample tissue without decalcification and to assess its validity for electron microscopy analysis.


METHODS
Samples were taken from five female Guinea pigs weighing 200-250 g and were fixed in glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde for analysis of the spiral ligament and stria vascularis ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
All of the ultrastructure components in the spiral ligament and stria vascularis could be examined without the need for decalcification.


CONCLUSIONS
Our method to obtain and analyze samples of cochlea side wall is valid, easy and faster.
Méndez-Benegassi
Iván
I
Grupo de Investigación Otológica, Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España. ibenegassi@hotmail.com
Trinidad
Almudena
A
García-Berrocal
José Ramón
JR
Martín
Cristina
C
Martínez-Monedero
Rodrigo
R
Verdaguer
José María
JM
Ramírez-Camacho
Rafael
R
D000818:Animals; D003648:Decalcification Technique / Q000379:methods*; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D055493:Spiral Ligament of Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013316:Stria Vascularis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography